Scorchers out for WACA redemption

Scorchers out for WACA redemption - The West Australian

Their record low score of 69 was utterly embarrassing at the time, but the Perth Scorchers’ capitulation at the hands of Lasith Malinga two weeks ago has proved to be a blessing in disguise for the Big Bash League franchise.

Malinga snared the unbelievable figures of 6-7 to help propel the Melbourne Stars to a 10-wicket victory in front of shell-shocked Scorchers’ fans at the WACA Ground.

The result left Perth with plenty of soul searching to do after their 0-2 start to the campaign.

Under the guidance of respected coach Justin Langer, the Scorchers have since turned their fortunes around, with away wins over the Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat keeping their season well and truly alive.

Now it’s time to produce the goods on their home turf, with Saturday night’s clash with the unbeaten Melbourne Renegades already a sellout despite Perth’s previous flop there.

Scorchers spinner Michael Beer, who has played a crucial role in the team’s change of fortunes, said he and his teammates were eager to give their fans something to remember on Saturday night - and for the right reasons this time.

“As a group, we learnt from that,” Beer said of the 10-wicket loss to the Stars.

“We didn’t dwell on it. We handled it well and it’s a long, distant memory now.

“It shows that if we can bounce back from that, we can bounce back from anything.

“It would be great to come back home now and get a win.”

The Renegades will once again rely heavily on in-form batsman Aaron Finch.

But Beer said Finch wasn’t the only concern for the Scorchers, who are also wary of spinner Marlon Samuels, Sri Lankan great Muttiah Muralitharan and Warriors’ paceman Nathan Rimmington.

Samuels will be closely monitored by fans, players and umpires alike after Brisbane Heat coach Darren Lehmann questioned the West Indian’s bowling action when unleashing his faster delivery.